The term used for a material that undergoes significant deformation before breaking is?

The correct term for a material that undergoes significant deformation before breaking is ductility. Ductility refers to the ability of a material to stretch or deform under tensile stress. This property is crucial in many engineering applications, as ductile materials can absorb energy and undergo large strains without failing suddenly. This is particularly important in structures and components that must withstand various forces during their service life.

Ductile materials allow for some warning signs of failure, such as plastic deformation, providing time for intervention before catastrophic failure occurs. This characteristic contrasts with brittle materials, which fracture with little to no prior deformation or warning. Thus, ductility is key in applications where safety and the ability to deform without breaking are prioritized.